Blick 999 Model II Etching Press

The Blick 999 Model II incorporates many features of the new, larger Blick Master Etch Model II press, but at a very economical price.

Built for studio or classroom use, it makes prints up to 17" wide × 35" long. The 4½" diameter finely-machined solid upper roll may be raised to accommodate mounted linoleum up to 7/8" thick. Total clearance without blanket is 1¼".

It is gear driven for easy pulling of etchings, dry points, engravings, collagraphs, linoleum block prints, and paper plate lithographs. Calibrated pressure adjusters allow you to see exactly how much pressure is being applied.

The press comes with a ½" thick phenolic bed plate, 19-5/8" wide × 36" long — 1-5/8" wider than the original 999 press. The phenolic bed plate is a lightweight, non-porous, non-compressible material that will not rust.

A ¼" thick gray cushion blanket also comes with the press. We recommend the purchase of a catcher blanket and a pusher blanket.

Weighs 171 lb (78 kg).

These items are subject to special shipping considerations due to size and weight.

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The press came with some assembly for the stand. You need help in lifting the press but it is a solid piece of equipment that hoped will last for a long time. The bed is rather rough and porous so I am considering a piece of thin metal sheeting for a bad covering to allow for ease of clean up.

I have used this press for three years now, both for my own work, and also in the classroom for students. It has done a flawless job of every kind of print from linoleum prints to drypoint. For the price I don't think there is anything comparable.

I want to love this press. I saved up for it and was elated when it arrived ( I bought it a couple of years ago).

It weighs a ton and is a solid press.

I was disappointed when I got it together and the crank doesn't pull the bed through. I have to push the bed and then pull it back the other way for the next print. It is exhausting. I called and they were so willing to help me, but in the end nothing made a difference. 2 years later and I'm still pushing the bed through. I wish I had continued saving and gotten the Conrad.

My wife was introduced to mono type art several years ago by a good friend who has since moved to Cape Cod. It has been several years since she has had access to a press so I thought I would surprise her with a press for Christmas. As I started my quest for her gift I soon realized how expencive presses can be. After reviewing many threads I realized Blick presses were mentioned frequently so I researched and came to the conclusion the Blick 999 was the best value. The press arrived several days before Christmas. The machine was shipped in a well constructed all wood crate, and by simply removing 4 screws and 4 bolts the press was out and ready to have the drum handle attached. Total time from uncrating to fully ready for use less than 15 minutes. My wife has only run several prints through her new press, but is very impressed with the ease of operation and the results she has had. Bottom line is the Blick press is the best value for your dollar.

An affordable and reliable press. I use it as an artist for both etching and relief. At first, I couldn't get enough pressure to make my etchings come out right, but I read through the reviews and followed the advice of one of the other purchasers and only used a catcher and pusher blanket without the cushion blanket, and my prints come out perfect every time. I am extremely pleased with this press and with the customer service in replacing a part broken during shipping. Thank you!!

I took an intaglio workshop about a year ago, went home and built a "Bottle Jack" press. It worked OK and got me into the swing of printing. After selling a few pieces I realized I could join a local art cooperative and use their equipment or for about a half years dues buy a press from blick. I bought this press and really like it. I'm printing etching/aquatints on aluminum plates and the results are much crisper and consistent than on my homemade press. I also have run linoleum mounted on 3/4 MDF and the solids are better than I could do burnishing by hand. for the linos I use a commercial rubber blanket and a thin felt on top. The press comes with a gray wool blanket, but for intaglio I would suggest buying the white wool, it transmits pressure to the paper better. overall the press seems very well made, the indicators on the upper roll seem very accurate and I'm getting great results. I think it would be a little heavy to carry around (175 lbs.) but I built a rolling stand for mine so I can move it around my studio. I'm very happy with my purchase and would recommend it to any printmaker.

With a press bed of almost 20inches wide by 30inches long this is the best value for the size that I have seen. Ive been getting into etching for sometime now and I wanted to start building my studio. Im very impressed with the build quality of the press, and the crate it came in for that matter. It was made in Brazil and so far im very greatful of that. Im not a fan of blick paint and a fair amount of their products for the most part, however this press is a fantastic exception. A parts list comes with the press so if any part breaks I have a simple way of replacing it and a 2 year warrenty also came with the press. The press its self isnt 170lbs as the description states, the crate + press= 170. (It isnt impossible to move it around is what im saying)After some playing around with the pressure and all 3 blankets on I have found just under the 20 mark on the dial is just right for line etchings/aquatints ive done. The wheel is my only complaint because when sufficent pressure is put down the wheel doesnt have any momentum to keep the bed rolling through. However after a dozen prints im happy with my results. If anything goes wrong I will deffinitly write about it.

I used this press daily for over three years and never had an issue of any kind. It does exactly what it is supposed to do. This press is heavy duty beyond it's looks. It's made of high quality parts and materials. Better than I originally expected. The calipers are right on. I printed many 16x20 detailed fine line dry point and etchings with it and the even pressure over every square inch was perfect over and over again. No problems with this press. I think it is quite comparable to other more expensive etching presses. Remember that the quality of your print is less about the press and more about your printing technique. This press will do it's part of the job flawlessly.

Solid press with precise calibrations. Drawbacks are the handles are awkward to use to adjust pressure and flimsy- one of the black knobs came off after six months. I'm also wondering about the screw mechanism, as it has a washer that looks suspect.

The price of this product compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:

Average

Merchant response: We apologize, it sounds as though one of the knobs on your press was defective. At Blick we attempt to send out every order free from defect or damage. However, these types of issues do arise occasionally. Customers who receive defective or damaged items should contact our Customer Care Center via email or by calling (800) 723-2787 and we will work with you to rectify the situation.